Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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DESCRIPTION
Garment With Crotch
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a garment with a crotch and,
more particularly, to a sports garment with a crotch.
Background Art
[0002] Some conventional sports garment with a crotch has a
support portion with a strong tightening force at a predetermined portion
of the gannent in order to support the motion of the leg muscles. For
example, Japanese Patent publication Laid-Open No. 10-110306
discloses a garment with a crotch which supports the motion of the
muscles by clamping the thigh, knee, and calf with support portions from
the left and right. When wearing this garment with a crotch, the support
portions suppress the motion of the leg in the left-to-right direction, so
the motion of the leg in the back-and-forth direction becomes stable.
This garment also has the effect of supporting the bending and stretching
motion of the hip joint and knee joint.
[0003] However, in addition to bending and stretching motions, the
motions of the lower half of the body include inner and outer pivoting
motions, inner and outer rotating motions and the like, and in the case of
the garment with a crotch disclosed in the Patent Reference 1, it is
difficult to support these other motions, even if bending and stretching
motions can be supported.
Disclosure of the Invention
[0004] It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide
a garment with a crotch which supports the motion of the leg with a good
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balance.
[0005] In order to achieve the object, the garment with a crotch of
the present invention is a garment with a crotch for covering at least part
of the lower half of the body, characterized in that a band-like tightening
portion at least has, at a front side portion corresponding to the front side
of a thigh, a thigh front side tightening portion formed obliquely from
above to below the front side portion, and, at a rear side portion
corresponding to the rear side of the thigh, a thigh rear side tightening
portion formed obliquely from above to below the rear side portion.
[0006] According to the present invention, as the wearer's thigh is
clamped by the thigh front side tightening portion and thigh rear side
tightening portion which have a large tightening force, muscles in the
front and rear sides of the thigh can be supported with a good balance, so
that the leg can pivot inwardly and outwardly and rotate inwardly and
outwardly easily.
[0007] In the garment with a crotch according to the present
invention, the thigh front side tightening portion and the thigh rear side
tightening portion preferably respectively incline in the opposite
direction with respect to a vertical direction when seen from either a
front side or rear side. Furthermore, the thigh front side tightening
portion and thigh rear side tightening portion in the garment with a
crotch of the present invention preferably respectively incline in the
same direction with respect to a vertical direction when seen from either
the front side or rear side; in this case, it is desirable that the thigh
front
side tightening portion and the thigh rear side tightening portion be
continuous on at least either the inside of the thigh or the outside of the
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thigh, and it is even more desirable that these tightening portions be
continuous on both the inside of the thigh and the outside of the thigh.
Here, the "inside" refers to either the upper portion or lower portion of
the inside of the thigh, the "outside" refers to either the upper portion or
lower portion of the outside of the thigh, and the "continuous on both
sides" refers to a continuation on the upper portion of the inside of the
thigh and lower portion of the outside of the thigh, or on the lower
portion of the inside of the thigh and the upper portion of the outside of
the thigh (same below). Furthermore, part of the tightening portion is
preferably formed at a portion corresponding to a greater trochanter.
[0008] In the garment with a crotch of the present invention, it is
desirable that the tightening portion further has a thigh lower part
tightening portion which is formed obliquely from an intermediate point
on at least either the thigh front side tightening portion or thigh rear side
tightening portion to the lower inside of the thigh or lower outside of the
thigh. As a result, tension can be applied to at least either the thigh front
side tightening portion or thigh rear side tightening portion, so that the
supporting effect provided by the thigh front side tightening portion and
thigh rear side tightening portion can be improved. In this case,
furthermore, it is desirable that one part of the thigh lower part tightening
portion is formed in a portion corresponding to the inside of the knee or
the outside of the knee, or that the thigh lower part tightening portion
connect the thigh front side tightening portion or thigh rear side
tightening portion with another tightening portion that is formed in a
portion corresponding to the inside of the knee or the outside of the knee.
As a result, the knee supporting effect can be improved. Furthermore, it
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is desirable that the thigh lower part tightening portion in this case be
formed from the vicinity of the center in the longitudinal direction of at
least either the thigh front side tightening portion or thigh rear side
tightening portion at the thigh. As a result, mutual tension can be
applied more easily to the respective tightening portions.
[0009] In the garment with a crotch of the present invention, it is
desirable that the tightening portion further has a thigh upper part
tightening portion which is formed obliquely from an intermediate point
on at least either the thigh front side tightening portion or thigh rear side
tightening portion to the upper inside of the thigh or the upper outside of
the thigh. As a result, tension can be applied to at least either the thigh
front side tightening portion or thigh rear side tightening portion, so that
the supporting effect provided by the thigh front side tightening portion
or thigh rear side tightening portion can be improved. Furthermore, it is
desirable that the thigh upper part tightening portion in this case be
formed from the vicinity of the center in the longitudinal direction of at
least either the thigh front side tightening portion or thigh rear side
tightening portion at the thigh. As a result, mutual tension can be
applied more easily to the respective tightening portions.
[0010] According to the present invention, the garment with a
crotch for covering at least part of a lower half of a body is characterized
in that a band-like tightening portion at least has, at a front side portion
corresponding to a front side of a crus, a crus front side tightening
portion formed obliquely from above to below the front side portion and,
at a rear side portion corresponding to a rear side of the curs, a crus rear
side tightening portion formed obliquely from above to below the rear
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side portion.
[0011] According to the present invention, as the wearer's crus is
clamped by the crus front side tightening portion and crus rear side
tightening portion which have a large tightening force, muscles in the
front and rear sides of the crus can be supported with a good balance, so
that the leg can pivot inwardly and outwardly and rotate inwardly and
outwardly easily.
[0012] In the garment with a crotch according the present
invention, the crus front side tightening portion and the crus rear side
tightening portion preferably respectively incline in the opposite
direction with respect to a vertical direction when seen from either the
front side or rear side. Furthermore, the crus front side tightening
portion and crus rear side tightening portion in the garment with a crotch
of the present invention perferably respectively incline in the same
direction with respect to the vertical direction when seen from either the
front side or the rear side; in this case, it is desirable that the crus front
side tightening portion and crus rear side tightening portion are
continuous on at least either the inside of the crus or the outside of the
crus. Furthermore, it is even more desirable that these tightening
portions are continuous on both the inside of the crus and the outside of
the crus. As a result, mutual tension can be applied more easily to the
respective tightening portions.
[0013] In the garment with a crotch according to the present
invention, part of the tightening portion is preferably formed at a portion
corresponding to at least either an inside of a knee or an outside of the
knee. Then, at least either the inside of the knee or the outside of the
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knee is supported by part of the tightening portion, so the motion of the
knee in the left-to-right direction is suppressed, and the motion of the leg
in the back-and-forth direction is stabilized. As a result, the knee joint
can bend and stretch easily. Here, the ranges indicated by the "upper
side of the knee", "lower side of the knee", "inside of the knee" and
"outside of the knee" refer to positions within the knee joint, or positions
located within a few centimeters of the outer circumference of the
kneecap, and refer to positions that are close enough for direct
stabilization of the knee joint by the tightening portion (same below).
Accordingly, it is sufficient if at least one part of the tightening portion
is
formed so as to correspond to such a position.
[0014] In the garment with a crotch according to the present
invention, the tightening portion preferably further has a below-knee
tightening portion which is formed from a portion corresponding to the
inside of the knee and a portion corresponding to the outside of the knee
to a portion corresponding to the area below the knee, and the upper
edge of the below-knee tightening portion preferably formed in shape
that is in dented toward the lower part of the crus. Then, the inside,
outside, and the lower side of the wearer's knee are firmly supported by
the below-knee tightening portion having a large tightening force.
Hence, the knee can be stabilized, and any unwanted motion of the knee
can be suppressed. Furthermore, since the tightening portion does not
contact the area above the knee or the area below the knee, the freedom
of movement of the knee can be ensured.
[0015] It is desirable that the tightening portion in the garment with
a crotch of the present invention further has an above-knee tightening
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portion which is formed from a portion corresponding to the inside of the
knee and a portion corresponding to the outside of the knee to a portion
corresponding to the upper side of the knee, and that the lower edge of
the above-knee tightening portion is formed in a shape that is indented
toward the upper part of the thigh. As a result, the stability of the knee is
improved.
[0016] It is desirable that the tightening portion in the garment with
a crotch of the present invention further has pelvic region tightening
portions which are formed in portions corresponding to the left and right
side portions of the pelvic region, and an abdomen tightening portion
which is formed in a portion corresponding to the abdomen, and that the
abdomen tightening portion connect the pelvic region tightening portions
that are located on the left and right sides. As a result, the pelvic region
tightening portions that contact the left and right side portions of the
pelvic region can be pulled toward the center of the body so that the hip
joints and pelvis can be stabilized.
[0017] It is desirable that the thigh front side tightening portion in
the garment with a crotch of the present invention is formed from the
lower part of inside of the thigh to the greater trochanter via the upper
part of the front surface of the thigh, and is formed so that this portion is
curved in an indented shape toward the upper part of the thigh. As a
result, muscular contractions of the front surface of the thigh can be
supported.
[0018] In the garment with a crotch of the present invention, it is
desirable that the garment has a hem part formed in a portion
corresponding to the area above the knee, and that at least either the
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lower end of the thigh front side tightening portion or the lower end of
the thigh rear side tightening portion is located at the hem part.
Furthermore, it is desirable that the upper part of the thigh front side
tightening portion and the upper part of the thigh rear side tightening
portion are connected in a portion corresponding to the side part of the
pelvic region, and that the lower part of the thigh front side tightening
portion and the lower part of the thigh rear side tightening portion are
connected in a portion corresponding to the lower part of the inside of
the thigh. As a result of the formation of such connections, tension is
mutually applied to the thigh front side tightening portion and thigh rear
side tightening portion, so that the supporting effect of the thigh muscles
is increased, and the hip joints can be supported.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0019] Fig. 1 is a front view showing muscles and bones when the
legs of the human body are seen from the front side.
[0020] Fig. 2 is a front view showing muscles and bones when the
legs of the human body are seen from the rear side.
[0021] Fig. 3 is a front view of sports spats.
[0022] Fig. 4 is a rear view of the sports spats.
[0023] Fig. 5 is a front view of sports spats.
[0024] Fig. 6 is a rear view of the sports spats.
[0025] Fig. 7 is a rear view of the sports spats.
[0026] Fig. 8 is a front view of sports spats.
[0027] Fig. 9A is a front view of sports spats, and Fig. 9B is a rear
view of the sports spats.
[0028] Fig. 1OA is a front view of sports spats, and Fig. lOB is a
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rear view of the sports spats.
[0029] Fig. 11A is a front view of sports spats, and Fig. 11B is a
rear view of the sports spats.
[0030] Fig. 12A is a front view of sports spats, and Fig. 12B is a
rear view of the sports spats.
[0031] Fig. 13 is a diagram of sports spats as seen from the front
surface.
[0032] Fig. 14 is a diagram of sports spats as seen from the front
surface.
[0033] Fig. 15 is a diagram of sports spats as seen from the front
surface.
[0034] Fig. 16 is a diagram of sports spats as seen from the front
surface.
[0035] Fig. 17A is a diagram of above-knee length sports spats as
seen from the front surface, and Fig. 17B is a diagram of these above-
knee length sports spats as seen from the back surface.
[0036] Fig. 18A is a diagram of above-knee length sports spats as
seen from the front surface, and Fig. 18B is a diagram of these above-
knee length sports spats as seen from the back surface.
[0037] Fig. 19A is a diagram of above-knee length sports spats as
seen from the front surface, and Fig. 19B is a diagram of these above-
knee length sports spats as seen from the back surface.
[0038] Fig. 20A is a diagram of above-knee length sports spats as
seen from the front surface, and Fig. 20B is a diagram of these above-
knee length sports spats as seen from the back surface.
[0039] Fig. 21A is a diagram of above-knee length sports spats as
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seen from the front surface, and Fig. 21 B is a diagram of these above-
knee length sports spats as seen from the back surface.
Best Modes for Carrying Out the Invention
[0040] The embodiment of the present invention will be described
with reference to the drawings. The same elements are denoted by
the same reference numerals, and a repetitive description thereof will
be omitted.
[0041] Prior to a description of the embodiment, the skeletal and
muscular system used when describing the function of the present
invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2. Fig. 1
is a view showing the muscles and bones when the legs of the human
body are seen from the front side, and Fig. 2 is a view showing the
muscles and bones when the legs of the human body are seen from the
rear side. As shown in Fig. 1, a long adductor 102, pectineus, and
Sartorius 104 are arranged in the front side of the thigh, and a long
peroneal 108, tribialis anterior 109, long extensor 110 of toes,
gastrocnemius 111, and soleus 112 are arranged in the front side of the
crus. As shown in Fig. 2, a great adductor 101, semimembranous 105,
biceps 106 of the thigh, and semitendinous 107 are arranged in the rear
side of the thigh, and the gastrocnemius 111 and soleus 112 are
arranged in the rear side of the crus. Figs. 1 and 2 show a greater
trochanter 113. Note that Figs. 1 and 2 show typical muscles and
bones, and the muscles and bones to be supported in the present
invention are not limited to them.
[0042] Sports spats 1 (sports garment with a crotch) of this
embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 3 and 4.
Fig. 3 is a front view of sports spats 1, and Fig. 4 is a rear view of the
sports spats 1.
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[0043] As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the sports spats 1 cover a range
of the hips to the crus, and have band-like tightening portions 2. The
main body and a tightening portion 2 of the sports spats 1 are formed of
a stretchable material. As the stretchable material, for example, power
net, satin net, triconet, two-way tricot, and two-way russel can be raised.
In regard to the materials used in the main body and tightening portion 2,
the following concrete examples may be cited: for example, two-way
tricot (56-dtex polyester yarn with a mixing ratio of 82%, and 55-dtex
polyurethane yarn with a mixing ratio of 18%) is used in the main body
cloth, and power net (55-dtex nylon yarn with a mixing ratio of 82%,
and 310-dtex polyurethane yarn with a mixing ratio of 18%) is used in
the tightening portions. In this manner, the tightening portion 2 is
formed of a stretchable material in the same manner as the main body
portion of the sports spats 1, but the tightening force of the fabric is
stronger in the tightening portion 2. This is the characteristic feature of
the present invention. Furthermore, it is desirable that the material of the
main body cloth have an elongation in two directions.
[0044] The width of the tightening portion differs depending on the
portion where it is to be formed and on the size of the garment, and
accordingly it is difficult to numerically define it simply, but generally a
tightening portion is preferably formed with a width of 2 cm on average
or more, and more preferably 3 cm on average or more. A tightening
portion corresponding to a portion to be supported with a particular focus
is preferably formed with a width of 5 cm or more. This will be
described in detail. For example, the width of a tightening portion in
contact with a calf is preferably about 2 cm to 6 cm, and that of a
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tightening portion in contact with the inner knee or outer knee is
preferably 3 cm or more (more preferably about 5 cm to 10 cm). The
width of a tightening portion in contact with a thigh is preferably about
3 cm to 8 cm, and that of a tightening portion in contact with a greater
trochanter and hips is preferably 4 cm or more (in some cases, about
8 cm to 15 cm). Furthermore, a wide portion with a width of
approximately 20 cm may also be partially formed. Moreover, these
numerical values are examples using the M size of a Japanese male as a
reference (same below). The aforementioned material regarding the
width of the tightening portion also applies to the other embodiments
described below.
[0045] The tightening portion 2 may be formed of one continuous
cloth, or a plurality of cloths. To form the tightening portion 2, it is
preferable to overlay a cloth with a strong tightening force on the outer
side of a main body cloth that can stretch in two directions.
Alternatively, a cloth with a strong tightening force may be overlaid on
the inner side of the main body cloth. The method for forming the
tightening portions 2 is similar to what is described below with regard to
the other embodiments.
[0046] For example, if such a tightening portion is formed so as to
connect the greater trochanter and the inside surface of the knee, the
upper part of the inside of the thigh and the outside surface of the knee or
the side surface of the knee and the side surface of the ankle on the
opposite side by a shorter distance, tension can be more easily applied to
the muscles that contact this tightening portion 2. Furthermore, for
example, if the tightening portion has a shape that is linear or close to
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linear, connection by a shorter distance is possible. However, it is not
always necessary that this portion be formed with a linear shape; for
example, this portion may also be formed as a curved line in which the
straight line that is the shortest line is caused to protrude upward, with
both points used as supporting points, or may be formed as a curved line
that protrudes downward. Also, the connecting of the tightening portion
2 with the shortest distance possible described above applies to the other
embodiments described below as well.
[0047] As shown in Fig. 3, the tightening portion 2 has a thigh
front side tightening portion 2b at its portion I a corresponding to the
front side of the thigh, and crus front side tightening portions 2e and 2f at
its portion lb corresponding to the front side of the crus. As shown in
Fig. 4, the tightening portion 2 has thigh rear side tightening portions 2c
and 2d at its portion 1 c corresponding to the rear side of the thigh. The
features of the respective tightening portions will be described.
[0048] The thigh front side tightening portion 2b shown in Fig. 3 is,
at the portion I a corresponding to the front side of the thigh, formed
obliquely from above the outer side to below the inner side of the portion
I a. This will be described in more detail. The upper portion of the thigh
front side tightening portion 2b is located at that position of the spats 1
which corresponds to the greater trochanter 113, and the lower portion of
the thigh front side tightening portion 2b is located at that position of the
spats I which corresponds to the inner side of the knee joint.
The thigh front side tightening portion 2b is formed in a substantially
linear shape across a portion corresponding to the upper greater
trochanter and a portion corresponding to the inside of the lower knee
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joint, and contacts the front surface of the thigh. As a result of such
contact, the muscles of the front surface of the thigh are bunched
between the upper part and the lower part. Furthermore, as long as the
thigh front side tightening portion 2b is caused to contact the portion
extending from the lower inside to the upper outside of the thigh,
preferably the portion extending from the inner knee to the greater
trochanter, on the front surface of the thigh, the shape may be a linear
shape or a shape that is slightly curve upward or downward. That
portion of the thigh front side tightening portion 2b which is above the
greater trochanter 113 is formed to extend upward from the greater
trochanter 113 along the side portion of the hip.
[0049] The crus front side tightening portion 2e shown in Fig. 3 is,
at the portion lb corresponding to the front side of the crus, formed
obliquely from above the inner side to below the outer side of the portion
lb. To describe this in concrete terms, the upper part of the crus front
side tightening portion 2e is positioned in a portion corresponding to the
inside of the knee joint, and the lower part of the crus front side
tightening portion 2e is positioned in a hem portion corresponding to the
outside of the ankle. The crus front side tightening portion 2e is formed
to be able to support the long peroneal 108 between its upper and lower
portions. With this crus front side tightening portion 2e, the motion of
the long peroneal 108 is supported. The upper portion of the crus front
side tightening portion 2e need not be located at the portion
corresponding to the inner side of the knee joint, but suffices as far as it
reaches a more inner side (crotch side) and upper side than a portion near
the center of the front side surface of the crus. Furthermore, the lower
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part of the band-form portion formed between the upper part and lower
part of the crus front side tightening portion 2e need not always be
formed only on the front side of the crus; as long as the major portion of
the tightening portion is on the front side of the crus, a portion of this
band-form portion may be continuously formed as far as the portion Id
corresponding to the rear side of the crus (see Fig. 4).
[0050] The crus front side tightening portion 2f shown in Fig. 3 is,
at the portion lb corresponding to the front side of the crus, formed
obliquely from above the outer side to below the inner side of the portion
lb. To describe this in concrete terms, the upper part of the erns front
side tightening portion 2f is positioned in a portion corresponding to the
outside of the knee joint, and the lower part of the crus front side
tightening portion 2f is positioned in a hem portion corresponding to the
inside of the ankle. The crus front side tightening portion 2f is formed to
be able to support the tribialis anterior 109, an extensor hallucis longus
(not shown), long extensor 110 of toes, and long peroneal 108 between
its upper and lower portions. With the erns front side tightening portion
2f, the motion of the tribialis anterior 109, extensor hallucis longus, long
extensor 110 of toes, and long peroneal 108 is supported. The lower
portion of a band-like portion formed between the upper and lower
portions of the erns front side tightening portion 2f need not be formed
only on the front side of the crus, but may be partly formed at the portion
1 d corresponding to the rear side of the erns (see Fig. 4).
[0051] As shown in Fig. 3, the erns front side tightening portion 2e
and erns front side tightening portion 2f intersect below the knee, and
their upper edges form a V shape. Furthermore, as is shown in Fig. 3, in
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the portion corresponding to the periphery of the knee, a thigh front side
tightening portion 2b and crus front side tightening portion 2e are formed
in the inside portion of the knee, and a crus front side tightening portion
2f and thigh rear side tightening portion 2d (see Fig. 4) are formed in the
outside portion of the knee. However, no tightening portion is formed in
the upper portion of the knee. Thus, as a result of the knee being
supported from three directions, i. e., from the left and right side surfaces
and from below, the knee ligaments are effectively supported, so that the
bending and stretching motion of the knee joint is facilitated. Also,
when no tightening portion is formed at the portion above the knee, the
knee can follow the motion reliably.
[0052] The width of each tightening portion formed at the portion
corresponding to the periphery of the knee is preferably 3 cm to 10 cm.
The tightening portions may be formed with a constant width within this
range, or different widths. Furthermore, in cases where [the respective
tightening portions] are formed with different widths, it is desirable that
the width of the portions contacting the inner knee in which the
ligaments are weak be made wider than the width of other portions,
especially the width of the outside knee and area below the knee. Also,
the widths of the tightening portions at the areas corresponding to the
knees as described above apply to the other embodiments described
below as well.
[0053] Furthermore, in addition to the tightening portions shown in
the Fig. 3, the two tightening portions described next may also be formed.
The first tightening portion is a tightening portion which is formed from
the inner knee portion of the crus front side tightening portion 2e shown
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in Fig. 3 via the inside surface of the calf to the upper part of the calf
inside surface contact location of the crus front side tightening portion 2f.
The second tightening portion is a tightening portion which is formed
from the outer knee portion of the crus front side tightening portion 2f
shown in Fig. 3 via the outside surface of the calf to the upper part of the
calf outside surface contact location of the crus front side tightening
portion 2e. Both of these two tightening portions may be formed, or
only one or the other of these two tightening portions may be formed.
As a result of the formation of such tightening portions, it becomes
easier to apply tension to the inside, outside and lower side of the knee,
so that the effect supporting the knee is heightened. Furthermore, as a
result of these tightening portions contacting the calf, the calf can be
supported. Moreover, tension can be applied most easily in a case where
these two tightening portions are formed in a rectilinear shape, so that
such a shape is ideal; however, these tightening portions may also show
some curvature. Furthermore, since it is sufficient if tension can be
applied between these two tightening portions and other tightening
portions connected to these respective tightening portions, these two
tightening portions may be formed with a narrower width than the other
tightening portions.
[0054] The thigh rear side tightening portion 2c shown in Fig. 4 is,
at the portion I c corresponding to the rear side of the thigh, formed
obliquely from above the outer side to below the inner side of the portion
1 c. This will be described in more detail. The upper portion of the thigh
rear side tightening portion 2c is located at a portion corresponding to the
greater trochanter 113, and the lower portion of the thigh rear side
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tightening portion 2c is located at a portion corresponding to the inner
side of the knee joint. The thigh rear side tightening portion 2c is formed
to be able to support the semimembranous 105 between its upper and
lower portions. Furthermore, the upper part of the thigh rear side
tightening portion 2c need not always be positioned in a portion
corresponding to the greater trochanter 113; it is sufficient if this
tightening portion at least extends beyond the vicinity of the center of the
upper part of the thigh on the rear side surface. Furthermore, the portion
of the thigh rear side tightening portion 2c that is located above the
greater trochanter 113 contacts the side part of the pelvic region from the
greater trochanter 113, and is formed toward the upper part of the rear
center; moreover, this portion contacts the upper part of the swell of the
hip (upper part of the pelvic region), and the end portions of the thigh
rear side tightening portion 2c on the left and right are formed so that
these end portions are connected in the vicinity of the rear center of the
waistline (upper part of the pelvic region). Furthermore, the thigh rear
side tightening portion 2c may also connect with the thigh front side
tightening portion 2b shown in Fig. 3 at the side part of the pelvic region.
As a result of such a connection of the thigh rear side tightening portion
2c and thigh front side tightening portion 2b at the side part of the pelvic
region, tension is mutually applied, so that the supporting effect of the
thigh muscles is increased; furthermore, the hip joint can be supported.
Moreover, as a result of the thigh rear side tightening portion 2c or thigh
front side tightening portion 2b contacting the side part of the pelvic
region including the greater trochanter 113, the hip joint can be
supported. Furthermore, as a result of the left and right thigh rear side
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tightening portions 2c being connected at the rear center of the pelvic
region, or the left and right thigh front side tightening portions 2b being
connected at the front center of the abdomen, the effect of supporting the
hip joints is further increased. In cases where the left and right thigh rear
side tightening portions 2c are connected at the rear center of the pelvic
region, it is desirable that the connection location be disposed on the
upper part of the pelvic region.
[0055] The thigh rear side tightening portion 2d shown in Fig. 4 is,
at the portion I c corresponding to the rear side of the thigh, formed
obliquely from above the inner side to below the outer side of the portion
1 c. This will be described in more detail. The upper portion of the thigh
rear side tightening portion 2d is located at a portion corresponding to a
portion near the hip bone connecting point (portion below the natal cleft),
and the lower portion of the thigh rear side tightening portion 2d is
located at a portion corresponding to the outer side of the knee joint.
The thigh rear side tightening portion 2d is formed to be able to support
the biceps 106 of thigh, semitendinous 107, and semimembranous 105
between its upper and lower portions. With the thigh rear side tightening
portion 2d, the motion of the biceps 106 of thigh, semitendinous 107,
and semimembranous 105 is supported. Furthermore, the upper ends of
the thigh rear side tightening portions 2d on the left and right thighs are
connected in the vicinity of the joining point of the hip bones. As a
result, tension is mutually applied to the thigh rear side tightening
portions 2d on the left and right. Furthermore, the upper parts of the
thigh rear side tightening portions 2d may be positioned at the inside
upper parts (below the crotch) on the rear sides of the thighs. Moreover,
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the upper parts of the thigh rear side tightening portions 2d may contact
the natal cleft and extend to the waistline, or may contact the natal cleft
and connect with other tightening portions at the rear center of the upper
part of the pelvic region. As a result, more tension is applied to the thigh
rear side tightening portions 2d, so that the effect of supporting the
muscles is improved.
[0056] Since the thigh rear side tightening portion 2c and thigh rear
side tightening portion 2d are not formed above the natal cleft, as shown
in Fig. 4, stretch of the hips is secured. Accordingly, for example, even
when the wearer bends his body forward, the garment can follow this
motion easily.
[0057] As is shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the thigh front side tightening
portion 2b and thigh rear side tightening portion 2c are connected in their
respective upper parts at a portion including the greater trochanter from
the upper outside of the thigh, and are connected in their respective
lower parts at the inside of the knee from the lower inside of the thigh.
In this case, the tightening portions that contact the front and back of the
thigh are connected respectively at the side part of the hip joint above the
outside of the thigh and the inner knee below the inside of the thigh.
Specifically, the tightening portions that contact the front and back of the
thigh are connected on both the inside and outside of the thigh. As a
result, a tightening force can be applied to both the knee joint and the hip
joint, so that both the knee joint and hip joint can be stabilized and
supported. On the inner side of the knee, the upper portion of the crus
front side tightening portion 2e is connected to the thigh front side
tightening portion 2b and thigh rear side tightening portion 2c described
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CA 02521593 2005-10-06
above. The lower portion of the thigh rear side tightening portion 2d and
the upper portion of the crus front side tightening portion 2e are
connected to each other on the outer side of the knee. Not both the thigh
rear side tightening portion 2d and thigh rear side tightening portion 2c
need be formed, but only either tightening portion may be formed.
Either one of the thigh rear side tightening portion 2d and thigh rear side
tightening portion 2c may only form a portion below the intersecting
portion of the two tightening portions. It would also be possible to have
only the thigh front side tightening portion 2b and the thigh rear side
tightening portion 2c formed. In this case, the inner knee and the side of
the hip can be stabilized by connecting the inner knee and the greater
trochanter with the thigh front side tightening portion 2b and the thigh
rear side tightening portion 2c. Or, only the thigh front side tightening
portion 2b and the thigh rear side tightening portion 2d can be formed. In
this case, the knee can be stabilized by further forming an below knee
tightening portion, as described later, thereby providing opposing tension
at the front and rear of the thigh with the below knee tightening portion
and the portions abutting the outer knee and the inner knee. Also, the
thigh front side tightening portion 2b can be formed so that it does not
abut the area directly above the knee, thereby providing a greater degree
of freedom for the knee.
[0058] In this manner, when the thigh is supported from front and
behind with the thigh front side tightening portion and thigh rear side
tightening portion, the hip joint and knee joint can pivot inwardly and
outwardly and rotate inwardly and outwardly easily. As the knee is
supported from the left, right, and lower directions by part of the
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tightening portion, the knee is stabilized, so the knee joint can bend and
stretch easily. Hence, sports spats suitable for supporting the operation
of the muscles during an exercise that uses legs can be provided.
[0059] Furthermore, the thigh front side tightening portions, thigh
rear side tightening portions and crus front side tightening portions are
connected to each other (continuous with each other) at either the waste,
thighs, knees or crus, and the left and right thigh rear side tightening
portions are connected above and below the rear center of the pelvic
region. As a result, the respective tightening portions have a structure
that applies tension with the rear center of the pelvic region (location of
contact of the spine and pelvis) as a supporting point, so that tension is
applied to the lower half of the body with the core of the body as a center.
Accordingly, the muscles and joints of the pelvic region, thighs, knees
and crus can be supported with good balance.
[0060] Furthermore, in the sports spats 1 shown in Figs. 3 and 4,
one tightening portion 2b is disposed on the front side of the thigh, and
two tightening portions 2c and 2d are disposed on the rear side of the
thigh. By thus disposing a larger number of tightening portions on the
rear side of the thigh than on the front side of the thigh, it is possible to
improve the supporting effect when the thigh is caused to operate in the
forward-rearward direction. This type of advantage is also provided in
the other embodiments described below.
[0061] Modifications of the tightening portion 2 of the sports spats
according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 5
to 8.
[0062] Fig. 5 is a front view of sports spats 1 and shows a thigh
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front side tightening portion 2a formed at a portion 1a corresponding to
the front side of the thigh. The thigh front side tightening portion 2a
shown in Fig. 5 is, at the portion 1 a corresponding to the front side of the
thigh, formed obliquely from above the inner side to below the outer side
of the portion I a. To describe this in concrete terms, the upper part of
the thigh front side tightening portion 2a is positioned in a portion
corresponding to the inside of the thigh below the crotch (upper inside of
the thigh), and the lower part of the thigh front side tightening portion 2a
is positioned in a portion corresponding to the outside of the knee joint.
Here, the muscles of the thigh are bunched obliquely from the upper part
to the lower part, so that the contractile motion in the muscles in this
interval is supported. Accordingly, as a result of the thigh front side
tightening portion 2a being formed obliquely from the upper part to the
lower part of the thigh, and [thus] being formed so that the pectineus 103,
short adductor (not shown in the figures), long adductor 102 and great
adductor 101 can be supported, the motions of the pectineus 103, short
adductor, long adductor 102 and great adductor 101 are supported.
Furthermore, the lower part of the thigh front side tightening portion 2a
need not always be positioned in a portion corresponding to the outside
of the knee joint; it is sufficient if this tightening portion 2a reaches at
least a point that is further to the outside (flank side) than the vertical
center line on the front side of the thigh, i. e., reaches the lower part of
the outside of thigh.
[0063] Fig. 6 is a rear view of sports spats 1 and shows a crus rear
side tightening portion 2g formed at a portion Id corresponding to the
rear side of the crus. The crus rear side tightening portion 2g shown in
23
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Fig. 6 is, at the portion Id corresponding to the rear side of the crus,
formed obliquely from above the outer side to below the inner side of the
portion 1 d. To describe this in concrete terms, the upper part of the crus
rear side tightening portion 2g is positioned in a portion corresponding to
the outside of the knee joint or the area below the outside of the knee
joint, and the lower part of the crus rear side tightening portion 2g is
positioned in a hem portion corresponding to the inside of the ankle.
The crus rear side tightening portion 2g is formed to be able to support
the gastrocnemius 111, rear peroneal (not shown), and soleus 112
between its upper and lower portions. With the crus rear side tightening
portion 2g, the motion of the gastrocnemius 111, rear peroneal, and
soleus 112 is supported. Furthermore, the band-form portion formed
between the upper part and lower part of the crus rear side tightening
portion 2g need not always be formed on only the rear side of the crus; a
portion of this band-form portion may also be formed in a portion
corresponding to the front side of the crus.
[0064] Fig. 7 is a rear view of sports spats 1 and shows a crus rear
side tightening portion 2h formed at a portion 1 d corresponding to the
rear side of the crus. The crus rear side tightening portion 2h shown in
Fig. 7 is, at the portion 1 d corresponding to the rear side of the crus,
formed obliquely from above the inner side to below the outer side of the
portion 1 d. To describe this in concrete terms, the upper part of the crus
rear side tightening portion 2h is positioned in a portion corresponding to
the inside of the knee joint or the area below the inside of the knee joint,
and the lower part of the crus rear side tightening portion 2h is
positioned in a hem portion corresponding to the outside of the ankle.
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The crus rear side tightening portion 2h is formed to be able to support
the gastrocnemius 111 and soleus 112 between its upper and lower
portions. With the crus rear side tightening portion 2h, the motion of the
gastrocnemius 111 and soleus 112 is supported. Furthermore, the band-
form portion formed between the upper part and lower part of the crus
rear side tightening portion 2h need not always be formed on only the
rear side of the crus; a portion of this band-form portion may also be
formed in a portion corresponding to the front side of the crus.
[0065] Fig. 8 is a front view of sports spats 1 and shows a
below-knee tightening portion 2v formed at a portion lb corresponding
to the front side of the crus. The below-knee tightening portion 2v
(portion indicated by a solid line) shown in Fig. 8 is formed to extend
from a portion corresponding to the inner side of the knee joint and the
outer side of the knee joint to a portion on the lower side of the knee
joint, and the upper edge of the below-knee tightening portion 2v forms a
V shape. Accordingly, the wearer's knee is firmly supported from the
inner, outer, and lower sides of the knee, so any unwanted motion of the
knee is suppressed, and the knee can stretch easily. As the below-knee
tightening portion 2v is formed, the bending motion of the knee is
suppressed, so the patellar ligament below the knee can be protected.
The upper edge of the below-knee tightening portion 2v need not form a
V shape, but may form, e.g., a U shape or crescent shape. In other words,
the shape of the upper edge of the below-knee tightening portion 2v
suffices as far as it forms a recess toward the lower portion of the crus.
The below-knee tightening portion 2v may be formed by intersecting
two tightening portions below the knee. As shown in Fig. 8, the portion
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corresponding to the upper side of the knee is formed of a soft tightening
portion H having a softer tightening force than that of the tightening
portion 2, so that a decrease in the performance of the knee to follow the
motion can be suppressed. The main body portion (excluding the
tightening portion 2) and soft tightening portion H of the sports spats
suffice as far as they are formed of cloths having softer tightening forces
than that of the tightening portion 2, or the main body portion (excluding
the tightening portion 2) and soft tightening portion H may be formed of
one cloth integrally.
[0066] With the tightening portion 2 of this embodiment, even
when the respective portions described above are combined as will be
described later, the same effect as that of the tightening portion in which
the respective portions are combined as shown in Figs. 3 and 4 can be
obtained.
[0067] Regarding the combination of the portion corresponding to
the thigh, the thigh front side tightening portion 2a and thigh rear side
tightening portion 2d may be combined. This combination supports the
inner rotating motion of the knee and the outer knee. In particular, this
combination has the effect of supporting the knee not to turn to the outer
side when the wearer lands on his feet. The thigh front side tightening
portion 2b and thigh rear side tightening portion 2c may be combined.
This combination supports the greater trochanter and the inner knee.
When the greater trochanter is supported, the hip joint is supported, so
the hip joint can bend and stretch easily. When the thigh front side
tightening portion and thigh rear side tightening portion combined in this
manner are seen from either the front or rear side of the spats 1, the
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respective tightening portions incline in the same direction with respect
to the vertical direction. Furthermore, it is desirable that the vertical
width of the connecting portions of the tightening portions that are thus
combined on the outside of the thigh and inside of the thigh be 5 cm or
greater. Even more preferably, the vertical width of the connecting
portions on the outside of the thigh is set at approximately 5 to 15 cm,
and the vertical width of the connecting portions on the inside of the
thigh is set at approximately 5 to 10 cm. The description concerning
these widths also applies to other embodiments. When a tightening
portion for supporting the middle gluteus (muscle in the upper portion of
the hips) is added to this combination of tightening portion, the outer
pivoting motion of the hip joint can be supported.
[0068] The thigh front side tightening portion 2a and thigh rear
side tightening portion 2c may be combined. This combination supports
the inner rotating motion of the knee and the inner rotating motion of the
hip joint. The thigh front side tightening portion 2b and thigh rear side
tightening portion 2d may be combined. This combination supports the
outer rotating and outer pivoting motion of the knee. When the thigh
front side tightening portion and thigh rear side tightening portion
combined in this manner are seen from either the front or rear side of the
spats 1, the respective tightening portions incline in opposite directions
with respect to the vertical direction.
[0069] In this manner, when the thigh is supported from front and
behind with the thigh front side tightening portion and thigh rear side
tightening portion, the hip joint and knee joint can pivot inwardly and
outwardly and rotate inwardly and outwardly easily. As the knee is
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supported from the left and right by part of the thigh front side tightening
portion and part of the thigh rear side tightening portion, the knee joint
can bend and stretch easily.
[0070] Regarding the combination of the portion corresponding to
the crus, the crus front side tightening portion 2e and crus rear side
tightening portion 2h may be combined. This combination supports the
inner rotating motion of the knee and the inner knee. The crus front side
tightening portion 2f and crus rear side tightening portion 2g may be
combined. This combination supports the outer rotating motion of the
knee and the outer knee. When the crus front side tightening portion and
crus rear side tightening portion combined in this manner are seen from
either the front or rear side of the spats 1, the respective tightening
portions incline in the same direction with respect to the vertical
direction.
[0071] The crus front side tightening portion 2e and crus rear side
tightening portion 2g may be combined. This combination supports the
outer pivoting motion of the knee and the outer pivot of the crus. Hence,
for example, an inside kick motion and the like in soccer are supported.
The crus front side tightening portion 2f and crus rear side tightening
portion 2h may be combined. This combination supports the outer
pivoting motion of the knee. When the crus front side tightening portion
and crus rear side tightening portion combined in this manner are seen
from either the front or rear side of the spats 1, the respective tightening
portions incline in opposite directions with respect to the vertical
direction.
[0072] In this manner, when the crus is supported from front and
28
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behind with the crus front side tightening portion and crus rear side
tightening portion, the knee joint and ankle can pivot inwardly and
outwardly and rotate inwardly and outwardly easily. As the knee is
supported from the left and right by part of the crus front side tightening
portion and part of the crus rear side tightening portion, the knee joint
can bend and stretch easily.
[0073] The respective combinations of the portion corresponding
to the thigh described above and the respective combinations of the
portion corresponding to the crus described above may be combined.
Practical examples of such case will be described with reference to
Figs. 9A to lOB. Fig. 9A is a front view of sports spats and shows a
state wherein a thigh front side tightening portion 2a and crus front side
tightening portion 2f are combined on the front side of the leg. Fig. 9B
is a rear view of the sports spats and shows a state wherein a thigh rear
side tightening portion 2d and crus rear side tightening portion 2g are
combined on the rear side of the leg. In the spats shown in Figs. 9A and
9B, on the thigh, the thigh front side tightening portion 2a and thigh rear
side tightening portion 2d are formed to incline in the same direction,
and on the crus, the crus front side tightening portion 2f and crus rear
side tightening portion 2g are formed to incline in the same direction.
When the respective tightening portions are formed in this manner, the
wearer's thigh and crus are firmly supported from front and behind.
Furthermore, the respective tightening portions are connected in a
portion corresponding to the outside of the knee. Accordingly, since the
tightening portion contacting the outside of the knee is pulled in four
directions by the respective tightening portions, the outside of the
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wearer's knee is firmly supported. In this case, furthermore, another
tightening portion which contacts the inside of the knee so that the inside
of the knee can be supported may also be formed. As a result, the
wearer's knee is firmly supported from the inside and the outside.
Furthermore, by connecting both the crus front side tightening portion 2f
and crus rear side tightening portion 2g at the lower part of the inside of
the crus, it is possible to apply more tension to the respective tightening
portions. Also, it would be preferable for the bottom end of the crus rear
side tightening portion 2g and the crus front side tightening portion 2f to
extend to the edge of the spats.
[0074] Fig. 1OA is a front view of sports spats and shows a state
wherein a thigh front side tightening portion 2b and crus front side
tightening portion 2e are combined on the front side of the leg. Fig. I OB
is a rear view of the sports spats and shows a state wherein a thigh rear
side tightening portion 2c and crus rear side tightening portion 2h are
combined on the rear side of the leg. In the spats shown in Figs. 1OA
and IOB, on the thigh, the thigh front side tightening portion 2b and
thigh rear side tightening portion 2c are formed to incline in the same
direction, and on the crus, the crus front side tightening portion 2e and
crus rear side tightening portion 2h are formed to incline in the same
direction. Furthermore, the upper part of the thigh front side tightening
portion 2b and the upper part of the thigh rear side tightening portion 2c
contact the greater trochanter, and are connected to each other. When
the respective tightening portions are formed in this manner, the wearer's
thigh and crus are firmly supported from front and behind. As the
tightening portion in contact with the inner side of the knee is pulled by
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the respective tightening portions in four directions, the inner side of the
wearer's knee is supported firmly. In this case, another tightening
portion may also be formed so that the outer side of the knee can be
supported. Then, the wearer's knee is firmly supported from the inner
and outer sides. Also, by connecting the tightening portions at the below
the outer lower thigh, the crus front side tightening portion 2e and the
crus rear side tightening portion 2h can apply more tension to the
tightening portions. Also, it would be preferable for the bottom end of
the crus rear side tightening portion 2h and the crus front side tightening
portion 2e to extend to the edge of the spats.
[0075] The respective combinations of the portion corresponding
to the thigh described above and the below-knee tightening portion 2v
described above may be combined. Practical examples of such case will
be described with reference to Figs. 11A to 12B. Fig. 11A is a front
view of sports spats and shows a state wherein a thigh front side
tightening portion 2a and below-knee tightening portion 2v are
combined on the front side of the leg. Fig. 11B is a rear view of the
sports spats and shows a state wherein a thigh rear side tightening
portion 2d is formed on the rear side of the leg. In the spats shown in
Figs. 11A and 11B, on the thigh, the thigh front side tightening portion
2a and thigh rear side tightening portion 2d are formed to incline in the
same direction. The lower portion of the thigh front side tightening
portion 2a, the lower portion of the thigh rear side tightening portion 2d,
and the upper portion on the outer knee side of the below-knee
tightening portion 2v are connected to each other at the outer knee
portion. When the respective tightening portions are formed in this
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manner, the wearer's thigh is firmly supported from front and behind. As
the below-knee tightening portion 2v is in contact with the inner, outer,
and lower sides of the knee and is pulled obliquely upward by the
tightening portions formed on the front and rear sides of the thigh, the
wearer's knee is firmly supported in three directions. In cases where the
tightening portion thus does not contact the area above the knee, the
degree of freedom of the knee is ensured, so that movement tracking is
improved. On the other hand, in cases where the tightening portion
contacts the area above the knee, the stability of the knee is improved,
but movement tracking deteriorates. Alternatively, a thigh rear side
tightening portion 2c may be further formed on the spats shown in
Figs. 1 IA and 11B. In this case, the lower portion of the thigh rear side
tightening portion 2c and the inner-knee-side upper portion of the
below-knee tightening portion 2v are connected to each other at the inner
knee portion. Then, that portion of the below-knee tightening portion 2v
which is in contact with the inner knee is pulled upward toward the outer
side of the thigh by the thigh rear side tightening portion 2c, and that
portion of the below-knee tightening portion 2v which is in contact with
the outer knee is pulled upward toward the inner side of the thigh by the
thigh front side tightening portion 2a and thigh rear side tightening
portion 2d. Specifically, the inner knee side contacting part and outer
knee side contacting part of the below-knee tightening portion 2v are
pulled in respectively opposite directions on the front and back of the
thigh, so that the force supporting the knee is increased. Another
tightening portion may be further formed to connect to the
inner-knee-side upper portion of the below-knee tightening portion 2v,
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and the upper portion of the tightening portion may be connected to the
thigh front side tightening portion 2a or thigh rear side tightening portion
2d. Furthermore, the thigh front side tightening portion 2b, thigh rear
side tightening portion 2c and below-knee tightening portion 2v may be
combined. In this case, the lower portion of the thigh front side
tightening portion 2b, the lower portion of the thigh rear side tightening
portion 2c, and the inner-knee-side upper portion of the below-knee
tightening portion 2v are connected to each other at the inner knee
portion. Furthermore, if a tightening portion that connects the lower part
of the below-knee tightening portion 2v and the hem of the sports spats
is further installed, more tension is applied to the tightening portions
located below the knee and on the inside and outside of the knee, so that
the supporting effect is improved. Moreover, the tightening portion that
connects the lower part of the below-knee tightening portion 2v and the
hem of the sports spats may be a single tightening portion; however,
tension can be applied more easily by forming two tightening portions so
that the below-knee tightening portion 2v is pulled downward to the left
and right. It would also be possible to have only the thigh front side
tightening portion 2a and the thigh rear side tightening portion 2d formed
without forming the below-knee tightening portion 2v.
[0076] Fig. 12A is a front view of sports spats and shows a state
wherein a thigh front side tightening portion 2a and below-knee
tightening portion 2v are combined on the front side of the leg. Fig. 12B
is a rear view of the sports spats and shows a state wherein a thigh rear
side tightening portion 2c is formed on the rear side of the leg. In the
spats shown in Figs. 12A and 12B, on the thigh, the thigh front side
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tightening portion 2a and thigh rear side tightening portion 2c are formed
to incline in opposite directions. The lower portion of the thigh front
side tightening portion 2a and the outer-knee-side upper portion of the
below-knee tightening portion 2v are connected to each other at the outer
knee portion. The upper portion of the thigh rear side tightening portion
2c is in contact with the greater trochanter. When the respective
tightening portions are formed in this manner, the wearer's thigh is
firmly supported from front and behind. As the below-knee tightening
portion 2v is in contact with the inner, outer, and lower sides of the knee
and is pulled obliquely upward by the tightening portions formed on the
front and rear sides of the thigh, the wearer's knee is firmly supported in
three directions. In cases where the tightening portion thus does not
contact the area above the knee, the degree of freedom of the knee is
ensured, so that movement tracking is improved. On the other hand, in
cases where the tightening portion contacts the area above the knee, the
stability of the knee is improved, but movement tracking deteriorates. A
thigh rear side tightening portion 2c may be further formed on the spats
shown in Figs. 12A and 12B. In this case, the lower portion of the thigh
rear side tightening portion 2c and the inner-knee-side upper portion of
the below-knee tightening portion 2v are connected to each other at the
inner knee portion. Another tightening portion may be further formed to
connect to the inner-knee-side upper portion of the below-knee
tightening portion 2v, and the upper portion of the tightening portion
may be connected to the thigh front side tightening portion 2a or thigh
rear side tightening portion 2c. Alternatively, The thigh front side
tightening portion 2b, thigh front side tightening portion 2d and blow-
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knee tightening portion 2v may be combined together. In this case, the
lower portion of the thigh front side tightening portion 2b and the
inner-knee-side upper portion of the below-knee tightening portion 2v
are connected to each other at the inner knee portion, and the lower
portion of the thigh rear side tightening portion 2d and the
outer-knee-side upper portion of the below-knee tightening portion 2v
are connected to each other at the outer knee portion. Furthermore, if a
tightening portion that connects the lower part of the below-knee
tightening portion 2v and the hem of the sports spats is further installed,
more tension is applied to the tightening portions located below the knee
and on the inside and outside of the knee, so that the supporting effect is
improved. Moreover, the tightening portion that connects the lower part
of the below-knee tightening portion 2v and the hem of the sports spats
may be a single tightening portion; however, tension can be applied
more easily by forming two tightening portions so that the below-knee
tightening portion 2v is pulled downward to the left and right. It would
also be possible to have only the thigh front side tightening portion 2a
and thigh rear side tightening portion 2c formed without forming the
below-knee tightening portion 2v.
[0077] Next, an example of the deformation of the tightening
portions on the front side of the thigh will be described with reference to
the front views of sports spats shown in Figs. 13 through 16. Fig. 13
shows a state in which the thigh front side tightening portion 2b and a
thigh front side tightening portion 2au (thigh upper part tightening
portion) are combined on the front side of the thigh. As was described
above, the thigh front side tightening portion 2b is formed obliquely
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from the upper part to the lower part of the front surface of the thigh.
The thigh front side tightening portion 2au is formed from the upper part
of the inside of the thigh to a connecting portion of the two tightening
portions 2b and 2au which is located at an intermediate point on the
thigh front side tightening portion 2b. As a result of the installation of
such a thigh front side tightening portion 2au, tension can be applied to
the thigh front side tightening portion 2b that is formed obliquely from
the upper part to the lower part of the front side of the thigh, so that the
supporting effect provided by the thigh front side tightening portion 2b
can be improved. Furthermore, the width of the thigh front side
tightening portion 2au can be made narrower than the width of the thigh
front side tightening portion 2b. In concrete terms, this may be a width
of approximately 2 to 4 cm.
[0078] Fig. 14 shows a state in which the thigh front side
tightening portion 2b and a thigh front side tightening portion 2aw (thigh
lower part tightening portion) are combined on the front side of the thigh.
The thigh front side tightening portion 2aw is formed from the lower part
of the outside of the thigh to a connecting portion of the two tightening
portions 2b and 2aw which is located at an intermediate point on the
thigh front side tightening portion 2b. Furthermore, the lower part of the
thigh front side tightening portion 2aw is connected to the upper part of
the crus front side tightening portion 2f which is formed on the outside
of the knee. As a result of the provision of such a thigh front side
tightening portion 2aw, tension can be applied to the thigh front side
tightening portion 2b which is formed obliquely from the upper part to
the lower part of the front side of the thigh, so that the supporting effect
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provided by the thigh front side tightening portion 2b can be improved.
Furthermore, since tension can also be applied to the crus front side
tightening portion 2f formed on the outside of the knee, the effect that
supports the knee can be improved. Moreover, the width of the thigh
front side supporting part 2aw can be made narrower than the width of
the thigh front side tightening portion 2b and crus front side tightening
portion 2f. In concrete terms, this width may be approximately 2 to 4 cm.
Furthermore, in cases where the thigh front side tightening portion 2b
has a curved shape that is curved in an indented shape toward the lower
part of the thigh on the front side of the thigh, and the thigh front side
tightening portion 2aw is connected to the thigh front side tightening
portion 2b at a point immediately above the knee joint, an above-knee
tightening portion is formed by this thigh front side tightening portion 2b
and thigh front side tightening portion 2aw. Specifically, this above-
knee tightening portion is formed from a portion corresponding to the
inside of the knee joint and a portion corresponding to the outside of the
knee joint to a portion corresponding to the upper side of the knee joint.
The lower edge of the above-knee tightening portion is formed in an
inverted V shape. Furthermore, the shape of the lower edge of the
above-knee tightening portion need not always be an inverted V shape;
for example, this edge may also be formed in an inverted U shape or
crescent shape. Specifically, it is sufficient if the shape of the lower
edge of the above-knee tightening portion is formed in a shape that is
indented toward the upper part of the thigh. As a result of the formation
of such an above-knee tightening portion, the stability of the knee can be
improved.
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[0079] Fig. 15 shows a state in which the thigh front side
tightening portion 2a and a thigh front side tightening portion 2bu (thigh
upper part tightening portion) are combined on the front side of the thigh.
As was described above, the thigh front side tightening portion 2a is
formed obliquely from the upper part to the lower part of the front
surface of the thigh. The thigh front side tightening portion 2bu is
formed from the upper part of the outside of the thigh to a connecting
portion of the two tightening portions 2a and 2bu located at an
intermediate point on the thigh front side tightening portion 2a. As a
result of the provision of such a thigh front side tightening portion 2bw,
tension can be applied to the thigh front side tightening portion 2a that is
formed obliquely from the upper part to the lower part of the front side
of the thigh, so that the supporting effect provided by the thigh front side
tightening portion 2a can be improved. Furthermore, the width of the
thigh front side tightening portion 2bu can be made narrower than the
width of the thigh front side tightening portion 2a. In concrete terms,
this width may be approximately 2 to 4 cm.
[0080] Fig. 16 shows a state in which the thigh front side
tightening portion 2a and a thigh front side tightening portion 2bw (thigh
lower part tightening portion) are combined on the front side of the thigh.
The thigh front side tightening portion 2bw is formed from the lower
part of the thigh to a connecting portion of the two tightening portions 2a
and 2bw which is located at an intermediate point on the thigh front side
tightening portion 2a. Furthermore, the lower part of the thigh front side
tightening portion 2bw is connected to the upper part of the crus front
side tightening portion 2e formed on the inside of the knee. As a result
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of the provision of such a thigh front side tightening portion 2bw, tension
can be applied to the thigh front side tightening portion 2a which is
formed obliquely from the upper part to the lower part of the front side
of the thigh, so that the supporting effect provided by the thigh front side
tightening portion 2a can be improved. Furthermore, since tension can
also be applied to the crus front side tightening portion 2e formed on the
outside of the knee, the effect that supports the knee can be improved.
Moreover, the width of the thigh front side tightening portion 2bw can be
made narrower than the width of the thigh front side tightening portion
2a and crus front side tightening portion 2e. In concrete terms, this
width may be approximately 2 to 4 cm. Furthermore, in cases where the
thigh front side tightening portion 2a has a curved shape that is curved in
an indented shape toward the lower part of the thigh on the front side of
the thigh, and the thigh front side tightening portion 2bw is connected to
the thigh front side tightening portion 2a at a point immediately above
the knee joint, an above-knee tightening portion is formed by this thigh
front side tightening portion 2a and thigh front side tightening portion
2bw. Specifically, this above-knee tightening portion is formed from a
portion corresponding to the inside of the knee joint and a portion
corresponding to the outside of the knee joint to a portion corresponding
to the upper side of the knee joint. The lower edge of the above-knee
tightening portion is formed in an inverted V shape. Furthermore, the
shape of the lower edge of the above-knee tightening portion need not
always be an inverted V shape; for example, this edge may also be
formed in an inverted U shape or crescent shape. Specifically, it is
sufficient if the shape of the lower edge of the above-knee tightening
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portion is formed in a shape that is indented toward the upper part of the
thigh.
[0081] As is shown in Figs. 13 through 16, it is desirable that
tightening portions 2au, 2aw, 2bu and 2bw which have an inclination
that allows intersection with the thigh front side tightening portion
formed obliquely from the upper part to the lower part of the front
surface of the thigh, and which are formed from the upper side part or
lower side part of the thigh to an intermediate point on the thigh front
side tightening portion, be disposed on the front side of the thigh.
Furthermore, it is desirable that these tightening portions 2au, 2aw, 2bu
and 2bw be connected to the upper part of the crus front side tightening
portion formed on the outside or inside of the knee. Moreover, it is
desirable that the connecting portions with the other thigh front side
tightening portions 2au, 2aw, 2bu and 2bw formed at intermediate points
of the thigh front side tightening portions 2a and 2b be formed in the
vicinity of the center in the longitudinal direction of the thigh front side
tightening portions 2a and 2b on the thigh. As a result, mutual tension
can be applied more easily to the respective tightening portions.
[0082] Furthermore, the tightening portions 2au, 2aw, 2bu and 2bw
shown in the Figs. 13 through 16 show as an example a case in which
these tightening portions are disposed on the front side of the thigh.
However, it would also be possible to dispose similar tightening portions
on the rear side of the thigh. Specifically, tightening portions which
have an inclination that allows intersection with the thigh rear side
tightening portion formed obliquely from the upper part to the lower part
of the rear surface of the thigh, and which are formed from the upper
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side part or lower side part of the thigh to an intermediate point on the
thigh rear side tightening portion, may be disposed on the rear side of the
thigh. Furthermore, these tightening portions may be connected to the
upper part of the erns rear side tightening portion formed on the outside
or inside of the knee.
[0083] Furthermore, the above-knee tightening portion shown in
Figs. 14 and 16 may also be formed in combination with the erns front
side tightening portion 2e and erns rear side tightening portion 2g. In
this case, the above-knee tightening portion connects with the erns front
side tightening portion 2e or erns rear side tightening portion 2g in a
portion corresponding to the inside or outside of the knee. Furthermore,
the erns front side tightening portion 2e and crus rear side tightening
portion 2g are formed so that these tightening portions incline in
respectively opposite directions with respect to the vertical direction in
the erns as seen from either the front side or the rear side of the erns.
Specifically, the crus front side tightening portion 2e is formed so that
this tightening portion extends from the inner knee, contacts the front
side of the erns, and extends to the outer ankle on the lower part of the
crus. Meanwhile, the erns rear side tightening portion 2g is formed so
that this tightening portion extends from the outer knee, contacts the rear
side of the erns, and extends to the inner ankle on the lower part of the
crus. Furthermore, the above-knee tightening portion shown in Figs. 14
and 16 may also be formed by combining the erns front side tightening
portion 2f and erns rear side tightening portion 2h. In this case, the
above-knee tightening portion connects with the erns front side
tightening portion 2f or erns rear side tightening portion 2h in a portion
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corresponding to the inside or outside of the knee. Furthermore, the crus
front side tightening portion 2f and crus rear side tightening portion 2h
are formed so that these tightening portions respectively incline in
opposite directions with respect to the vertical direction in the crus as
seen from either the front side or rear side of the crus. Specifically, the
crus front side tightening portion 2f is formed so that this tightening
portion extends from the outer knee, contacts the front side of the crus,
and extends to the inner ankle on the lower part of the crus. On the other
hand, the crus rear side tightening portion 2h is formed so that this
tightening portion extends from the inner knee, contacts the rear side of
the crus, and extends to the outer ankle on the lower part of the crus. As
a result of strong tightening portions thus being formed with mutually
opposite inclinations on the front and back of the crus, and thus being
connected with the above-knee tightening portion, tension is applied to
respective tightening portions contacting the area above the knee, the
inside of the knee and the outside of the knee, so that the knee can be
supported. In this case, furthermore, if no tightening portion is installed
below the knee, the degree of freedom of the knee can be ensured. On
the other hand, in cases where a tightening portion is disposed below the
knee, the stability of the knee can be improved.
[0084] Furthermore, the above-knee tightening portion shown in
Figs. 14 and 16 and the below-knee tightening portion 2v shown in Fig.
8 may be combined. As a result, the periphery of the knee is firmly
supported. In this case, it is desirable that a tightening portion be formed
from the upper part of the above-knee tightening portion to a portion that
corresponds to at least either the inside or outside of the thigh, and that a
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tightening portion be formed from the lower part of the below-knee
tightening portion to a portion that corresponds to at least either the
inside or outside of the ankle. Furthermore, it is even more desirable that
these tightening portions be formed from the upper part of the above-
knee tightening portion to the upper parts of the inside and outside of the
thigh, and from the lower part of the below-knee tightening portion to
the lower parts of the inside and outside of the ankle (to the hem in the
case of ankle length). A thigh front side tightening portion and crus front
side tightening portion are formed by these tightening portions.
Meanwhile, it is desirable that the thigh rear side tightening portion
formed on the rear side of the thigh be inclined in the opposite direction
form the thigh front side tightening portion when seen from either the
front side or the rear side of the spats 1. Furthermore, it is desirable that
the crus rear side tightening portion formed on the rear side of the crus
be inclined in the opposite direction from the crus front side tightening
portion when seen from either the front side or the rear side of the spats 1.
As a result of the front and rear tightening portions thus being formed
with opposite inclinations, the thigh, knee and calf are supported with a
better balance.
[0085] In this manner, when the thigh is supported from front and
behind with the thigh front side tightening portion and thigh rear side
tightening portion, and the crus is supported from front and behind with
the crus front side tightening portion and the crus rear side tightening
portion, the hip joint, the knee joint, and ankle can pivot inwardly and
outwardly and rotate inwardly and outwardly further easily. As the knee
is supported from the left and right by part of each tightening portion, the
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knee joint can bend and stretch easily.
[0086] The relationship in inclination among the respective
tightening portions between the front side of the thigh and the front side
of the crus, or between the rear side of the thigh and the rear side of the
crus is preferably set such that the inclinations of the tightening portions
of the thigh and the inclinations of the tightening portions of the crus are
opposite to each other. Then, in the entire leg including the thigh and
calf, muscles necessary for the inner and outer pivoting motion and the
inner and outer rotating motion can be supported with a better balance.
[0087] Regarding the tightening portions formed on the thigh and
crus, it suffices as far as the tightening portions formed on one of the
thigh and crus are formed to clamp the thigh or crus from front and
behind. In this case, the tightening portions formed on the other may be
formed to clamp the crus or thigh from the left and right. This will be
described in detail. For example, on the thigh, it suffices as far as
tightening portions are formed to clamp the thigh from front and behind
and are in contact with the inner and outer sides of the knee, while on the
crus, it suffices as far as tightening portions are formed to clamp the crus
from the left and right and to reach the hem. Alternatively, on the thigh,
tightening portions may be formed to clamp the thigh from the left and
right and are in contact with the inner and outer sides of the knee, while
on the crus, tightening portions may be formed to clamp the crus from
front and behind and to reach the hem. When the tightening portions are
formed in this manner, the thigh or crus is firmly supported from front
and behind, and the knee is firmly supported from the left and right.
Hence, muscles necessary for respective movements in the inner and
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outer pivoting motion, inner and outer rotating motion, and bending and
stretching motion can be supported with a good balance.
[0088] Furthermore, in cases where the thigh is supported from the
front and back by a thigh front side tightening portion and a thigh rear
side tightening portion, it is sufficient if the garment has at least one of
the tightening portions, i. e., either a crus front side tightening portion or
a crus rear side tightening portion.
[0089] Furthermore, in cases where the thigh is supported from the
front and back by a thigh front side tightening portion and a thigh rear
side tightening portion, the thigh front side tightening portion and thigh
rear side tightening portion may be respectively formed in substantially
the same position in a portion corresponding to the front side or rear side
of the thigh as seen from the front side or rear side of the thigh, or the
thigh front side tightening portion and thigh rear side tightening portion
may be formed so that these tightening portions are shifted in the vertical
direction. For example, there is a case wherein the thigh front side
tightening portion is formed above a portion corresponding to the front
side of the thigh, and the thigh rear side tightening portion is formed
below a portion corresponding to the rear side of the thigh. Also, there is
a case wherein the thigh front side tightening portion is formed below a
portion corresponding to the front side of the thigh, and the thigh rear
side tightening portion is formed above a portion corresponding to the
rear side of the thigh.
[0090] Furthermore, in cases where the crus is supported from the
front and back by a crus front side tightening portion and a crus rear side
tightening portion, the crus front side tightening portion and crus rear
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side tightening portion may be respectively formed in substantially the
same position in a portion corresponding to the front side or rear side of
the crus as seen from the front side or rear side of the crus, or the crus
front side tightening portion and crus rear side tightening portion may be
formed so that these tightening portions are shifted in the vertical
direction. For example, there is a case wherein the crus front side
tightening portion is formed above a portion corresponding to the front
side of the crus, and the crus rear side tightening portion is formed below
a portion corresponding to the rear side of the crus. Also, there is a case
wherein the crus front side tightening portion is formed below a portion
corresponding to the front side of the crus, and the crus rear side
tightening portion is formed above a portion corresponding to the rear
side of the crus.
[0091 ] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the tightening
portion 2 was described as being divided into a thigh portion and a crus
portion; however, this division was made for convenience of description,
and does not indicate that the tightening portion 2 is split into a thigh
portion and crus portion.
[0092] The embodiment described above exemplifies cases
wherein present invention is applied to ankle-length sports spats which
cover the hips to crus. The present invention can also be applied to
above-knee-length sports spats which cover the hips to thighs, and
below-knee-length sports spats which cover from the hips to below-knee
portions. The present invention can also be applied to sports spats
having a portion for covering the upper half of the body above the waist,
or sports spats or tights having a portion extending downward from the
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ankle across the sole of the foot. Furthermore, these sport spats may be
sports spats that have a protective pad in the crotch area.
[0093] A practical example of the above-knee-length sports spats
will be described with reference to Figs. 17 to 21. Fig. 17A is a front
view of the above-knee-length sports spats and shows a state wherein the
thigh front side tightening portion 2b described above is formed on the
front side of the thigh. Fig. 17B is a rear view of the above-knee-length
sports spats and shows a state wherein the thigh rear side tightening
portion 2c and thigh rear side tightening portion 2d described above are
formed on the rear side of the thigh. In the spats shown in Figs. 17A and
17B, on the thigh, the thigh front side tightening portion 2b and thigh
rear side tightening portion 2c are formed to incline in the same direction,
and the thigh front side tightening portion 2b an thigh rear side
tightening portion 2d are formed to incline in opposite directions. The
thigh front side tightening portion 2b contacts the side part of the pelvic
region including the greater trochanter 113, and is formed in a portion
that extends in the upper direction along the side part of the pelvic region
and reaches the waist. The thigh rear side tightening portion 2c connects
with the thigh front side tightening portion 2b at the side part of the
pelvic region, and further contacts the upper part of the pelvic region as
well; the left and right thigh rear side tightening portions are connected
at the rear center of the upper part of the pelvic region. As a result of
such a connection, tension is mutually applied to the thigh rear side
tightening portion 2c and thigh front side tightening portion 2b, so that
the effect that supports the muscles of the thigh is increased, and so that
the knee joint is supported. Furthermore, the upper ends of the thigh rear
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side tightening portions 2d located on the left and right thighs are
connected in the vicinity of the connecting point of the hip bones (lower
part of the natal cleft). As a result, tension is mutually applied to the
thigh rear side tightening portions 2d located on the left and right thighs.
Furthermore, the upper part of thigh rear side tightening portion 2d may
be positioned on the inside upper part of the rear side of the thigh (below
the crotch). Furthermore, the lower end of thigh front side tightening
portion 2b and the lower end of thigh rear side tightening portion 2c are
positioned at the hem part S on the inside of the thigh, and the lower end
of thigh rear side tightening portion 2d is positioned at the hem part S on
the outside of the thigh. The lower end of this thigh front side tightening
portion 2b and the lower end of the thigh rear side tightening portion 2c
are connected on the inside of the thigh. It is desirable that the vertical
width of this connection area be approximately 5 to 10 cm. When the
respective tightening portions are formed in this manner, the wearer's
thigh is firmly supported from front and behind. Of the lower end of a
thigh front side tightening portion 2a, the lower end of the thigh rear side
tightening portion 2c, and the lower end of the thigh rear side tightening
portion 2d, all the lower ends need not be located at the hem S of the
sports spats, but it suffices as far as at least either one lower end is
located at the hem S. Also, the lower end position of the tightening
portion 2 as described above applies to the above-knee length sports
spats, shown in Fig. 18 through Fig. 21 described below, as well.
[0094] Fig. 18 (a) is a diagram showing above-knee length sports
spats as seen from the front surface. This diagram shows a state in
which the thigh front side tightening portion 2b is formed on the front
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side of [each] thigh, and abdomen tightening portions 2x are formed on
the abdomen. Fig. 18 (b) is a diagram which shows these above-knee
length sports spats as from the back surface. This diagram shows a state
in which a thigh rear side tightening portion 2cw which is the lower part
of the thigh rear side tightening portion 2c, and a thigh rear side
tightening portion 2d, are formed on the rear side of [each] thigh. The
abdomen tightening portions 2x shown in Fig. 18 (a) connects with the
thigh front side tightening portions 2b at the side parts of the pelvic
region. The abdomen tightening portions 2x located on the left and right
connect with each other at the center of the abdomen. As a result, the
thigh front side tightening portions 2b that contact both side parts of the
pelvic region can be pulled toward the center of the body, so that the hip
joints can be stabilized. Specifically, as a result of the formation of the
abdomen tightening portions 2x, a force that pulls both side parts of the
pelvic region toward the inside can be applied, so that the pelvis can be
stabilized. It is desirable that the abdomen tighten portions 2x be formed
so that these portions contact an area above the lower abdomen. As a
result, pressure on the lower abdomen near the crotch can be prevented.
Furthermore, the material of the abdomen tightening portions 2x may be
a separate material that has a weaker tightening force than the material of
the thigh front side tightening portions 2b, or may be the same material
as that of the thigh front side tightening portions 2b. The abdomen
tightening portions 2x and thigh front side tightening portions 2b may be
continuous, and may be constructed from the same material.
Furthermore, it is desirable that the width of the abdomen tightening
portions 2x is 2 cm or greater, and a width of approximately 5 to 15 cm
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is even more desirable. The width of the abdomen tightening portions
2x may be a uniform width; alternatively, the width of the abdomen
tightening portions 2x may narrow toward the center of the body from
the side parts of the pelvic region, or may increase toward the center of
the body from the side parts of the pelvic region. Furthermore, the
abdomen tightening portions 2x may be sewed to the inside of the main
body cloth, or may be sewed to the outside of the main body cloth. The
connecting portions between the abdomen tightening portions 2x and the
thigh front side tightening portions 2b are sewed to the main body cloth;
however, the upper edges and lower edges of the abdomen tightening
portions 2x may be in a floating state without being sewed to the main
body cloth. Furthermore, the thigh rear side tightening portions 2cw
shown in Fig. 18 (b) connect with parts of the thigh rear side tightening
portions 2d located near the center of the rear side of each thigh, and are
formed only on the lower inside of each thigh. Furthermore, thigh rear
side tightening portions 2cw and thigh front side tightening portions 2b
may be connected on the lower inside of each thigh.
[0095] Fig. 19 (a) is a diagram showing above-knee length sports
spats as seen from the front surface. This diagram shows a state in
which the thigh front side tightening portions 2b are formed on the front
side of each thigh, and abdomen tightening portions 2y are formed on
the abdomen. Fig. 19 (b) is a diagram which shows these above-knee
length sports spats as seen from the back surface; this diagram shows a
state in which thigh rear side tightening portions 2cu which are the upper
portions of the thigh rear side tightening portions 2c, and thigh rear side
tightening portions 2d, are formed on the rear side of each thigh. The
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abdomen tightening portions 2y shown in Fig. 19 (a) are connected with
the thigh front side tightening portions 2b at the side parts of the pelvic
region. These abdomen tightening portions 2y are formed so as to
contact the upper abdomen. As a result, the thigh front side tightening
portions 2b contacting both side parts of the pelvic region can be pulled
toward the center of the body, so that the hip joints can be stabilized.
Specifically, as a result of the formation of the abdomen tightening
portions 2y, both side parts of the pelvic region can be pulled toward the
inside, so that the pelvis can be stabilized. The abdomen tightening
portions 2y have a maximum width in the connecting portions with the
thigh front side tightening portions 2b, and these tightening portions
extend to a point beyond the front center of the body with the width of
the tightening portions gradually decreasing toward the front center of
the body. Accordingly, the abdomen tightening portions 2y located on
the left and right overlap in the portions that extend beyond the front
center of the body. Furthermore, it is desirable that the width of the
widest portions be approximately 10 cm. Moreover, the material of the
abdomen tightening portions 2y may be a separate material from that of
the thigh front side tightening portions 2b, or may be the same material
as that of the thigh front side tightening portions 2b. The abdomen
tightening portions 2y and thigh front side tightening portions 2b may be
continuous, and may be constructed from the same material.
Furthermore, the connecting portions between the abdomen tightening
portions 2y and thigh front side tightening portions 2b are sewed to the
main body cloth; however, either the upper edges or the lower edges of
the abdomen tightening portions 2y may be in a floating state without
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being sewed to the main body cloth. Furthermore, the thigh rear side
tightening portions 2cu shown in Fig. 19 (b) connect with parts of the
thigh rear side tightening portions 2d located near the center of the rear
side of each thigh, and contact the upper outside of each thigh; these
connect with the thigh front side tightening portions in the vicinity of the
greater trochanter, and are formed on the upper part of the pelvic region.
[0096] Fig. 20 (a) is a diagram showing above-knee length sports
spats as seen from the front surface; this diagram shows a state in which
the thigh front side tightening portions 2b are formed on the front side of
each thigh, and abdomen tightening portions 2z are formed on the
abdomen. Fig. 20 (b) is a diagram which shows these above-knee length
sports spats as seen from the back surface; this diagram shows a state in
which the thigh rear side tightening portions 2c, and thigh rear side
tightening portions 2dw which are the lower parts of the thigh rear side
tightening portions 2d, are formed on the rear side of each thigh. The
abdomen tightening portions 2z shown in Fig. 20 (a) are formed by a
material that is continuous with the thigh front side tightening portions
2b. Furthermore, the material of the abdomen tightening portions 2z
may also be a separate material from that of the thigh front side
tightening portions 2b. The abdomen tightening portions 2z have a
maximum width in the portions that are continuous with the thigh front
side tightening portions 2b, and this width gradually decreases toward
the front center of the body. Furthermore, it is desirable that the width of
the widest portion be approximately 10 cm, and it is desirable that the
width of the narrowest portion be approximately 5 cm. Furthermore, the
abdomen tightening portions 2z located on the left and right are
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connected to each other at the front center of the body. As a result, the
thigh front side tightening portions 2b contacting both side parts of the
pelvic region can be pulled toward the center of the body, so that the hip
joints can be stabilized. Specifically, as a result of the formation of the
abdomen tightening portions 2z, a force that pulls both side parts of the
pelvic region toward the inside can be applied, so that the pelvis can be
stabilized. Furthermore, either the upper edges or the lower edges of the
abdomen tightening portions 2z may be in a floating state without being
sewed to the main body cloth. Furthermore, the thigh rear side
tightening portions 2dw shown in Fig. 20 (b) connect with parts of the
thigh rear side tightening portions 2c located near the center of the rear
side of each thigh, and are formed only on the lower outside of each
thigh. Moreover, thigh front side tightening portions 2b and thigh rear
side tightening portions 2c are connected in the vicinity of the greater
trochanter on the lower inside of each thigh and upper outside of each
thigh. Furthermore, the three types of the abdomen tightening portions
2x, 2y and 2z described above may be appropriately combined with
various tightening portions described in the other embodiments (ankle
length sports spats) described above.
[0097] Furthermore, the abdomen tightening portions 2x, 2y and
2z shown in Figs. 18A, 19A and 20A connect the thigh front side
tightening portions 2b formed in portions corresponding to the left and
right side parts of the pelvic region; however, the tightening portions
connected by the abdomen tightening portions 2x, 2y and 2z are not
limited to the thigh front side tightening portions 2b. For example, these
tightening portions may also be thigh rear side tightening portions, or
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other tightening portions formed in portions corresponding to both the
left and right side parts of the pelvic region. Specifically, in the
description relating to the Figs. 18 through 20, the thigh front side
tightening portions 2b were used for convenience of description as the
tightening portions connected by the abdomen tightening portions 2x, 2y
and 2z; however, the tightening portions connected by the abdomen
tightening portions 2x, 2y and 2z may be pelvic region tightening
portions formed in portions corresponding to the left and right side parts
of the pelvic region. By having the abdomen tightening portions 2x, 2y
and 2z connected to the sections of the pelvic region tightening portion
corresponding to the left and right sides of the pelvic region, tension can
be applied to the pelvic region tightening portion. Also, this type of
abdomen tightening portion and pelvic region tightening portion can be
combined with the various tightening portions formed at the thigh, the
knee, and the lower thigh in the embodiments described above.
[0098] Fig. 21A is a diagram of above-knee length sports spats as
seen from the front surface; this diagram shows a state in which thigh
front side tightening portion 2bx that are modifications of the thigh front
side tightening portions 2b are formed on the front side of each thigh.
Fig. 2lB is a diagram of these above-knee length sports spats as seen
from the back surface; this diagram shows a state in which the thigh rear
side tightening portions 2c, and thigh rear side tightening portions 2du
that are the upper portions of the thigh rear side tightening portions 2d,
are formed on the rear side of each thigh. The thigh front side tightening
portions 2bx shown in Fig. 21A are formed by curving the line of the
thigh front side tightening portions 2b in an indented shape toward the
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upper part on the front surface of each thigh. The thigh front side
tightening portions 2bx are formed so that these tightening portions
contact portions that extend from the vicinity of the greater trochanter
113, pass over the upper portion of the front surface of the thigh, and
reach the lower inside of the thigh. Specifically, the thigh front side
tightening portions 2bx reach the greater trochanter without passing over
the bulge of the rectus femoris. Accordingly, compared to a case in
which the thigh front side tightening portions 2bx are formed with a
rectilinear shape, an effect that prevents pressure on the bulge of the
muscles when the rectus femoris bulges outward is obtained to the extent
that the tightening portions do not pass over the bulge of the rectus
femoris. The thigh front side tightening portions 2bx connect with the
thigh rear side tightening portions 2c shown in Fig. 21B from the vicinity
of the greater trochanter in the side parts of the pelvic region. The lower
parts of the thigh front side tightening portions 2bx connect with the
lower parts of the thigh rear side tightening portions 2c at the lower
inside of each thigh. Furthermore, it is desirable that the width of the
thigh front side tightening portions 2bx be approximately 10 to 15 cm in
the portions of maximum width that contact the areas in the vicinity of
the side parts of the pelvic region, and that this width be approximately 4
to 5 cm in the portions of minimum width that contact the thighs. It is
desirable that the vertical width of the connecting portions between the
lower parts of the thigh front side tightening portions 2bx and the lower
parts of the thigh rear side tightening portions 2c on the insides of the
thighs be approximately 8 cm. As a result of the formation of such thigh
front side tightening portions 2bx, muscular contractions on the front
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surfaces of the thighs can be supported. Furthermore, the thigh rear side
tightening portions 2du shown in Fig. 21B connect with parts of the
thigh rear side tightening portions 2c located near the center of the rear
side of each thigh, and are formed only on the upper inside of each thigh.
[0099] Furthermore, concrete examples of the respective tightening
portions formed in the above-knee length sports spats (Figs. 17 through
21) may also be applied to ankle length sports spats, below-knee length
sports spats or the like.
[0100] Furthermore, in sports spats, the tightening portions fonned
on the pelvic region above the thighs may also be formed as follows.
For example, these tightening portions may be formed in locations
including the greater trochanter on the outsides of the thighs, and may
further contact the side parts of the pelvic region from the greater
trochanter, and be formed continuously in a substantially rectilinear
shape to the waist. Furthermore, these tightening portions may contact
the side parts of the pelvic region and the area above the swell of the hips
from the greater trochanter, and may terminate at the waistline.
Alternatively, these tightening portions may extend from the area above
the swell of the hips toward the rear center, and the left and right
tightening portions may be connected in the vicinity of the rear center of
the waistline. The tightening portion may extend from the greater
trochanter along part of the bulge of the hips and its left and right
portions may be connected to each other near the rear center of the waist
line. The tightening portion may extend from the greater trochanter
along the abdomen and its left and right portions may be connected to
each other at the center of the abdomen. The tightening portion may be
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formed by combining these tightening portions.
[0101] The method of adding a tightening portion to the garment
with a crotch according to the present invention is not limited to the
method described in the above embodiment. For example, a stretchable
cloth having a predetermined shape may be overlaid on the main body of
a garment with a crotch and be sewn together, thus forming a tightening
portion, or a stretchable cloth having a predetermined shape may be
overlaid on the main body of a garment with a crotch and be adhered to
it, thus forming a tightening portion. If such methods are used, the
difference in the tightening force between the main body of the garment
and the tightening portions can easily be set in an appropriate manner;
furthermore, a large tightening force difference can be achieved. A
tightening portion and other portions may be formed as parts having
predetermined shapes, and may be connected to each other, thus forming
a garment with a crotch according to the present invention. The
tightening portion may be formed by the method of stretching a
stretchable cloth having a predetermined shape and overlaying it on the
main body of a garment with a crotch, and sewing or adhering them
together. Furthermore, in cases where a material that is stretchable is
overlaid on the garment with a crotch, it is desirable that the tightening
force of this stretchable material that forms the tightening portions be
stronger than the tightening force of the main body of the garment with a
crotch. According to these methods, a strong tightening force can be
obtained by the tightening portion. Alternatively, the tightening portion
may be formed by the method of impregnating with an elastic resin a
predetermined portion of the main body of a garment with a crotch, or
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adhering an elastic resin film to the predetermined portion of the main
body of a garment with a crotch. According to these methods, a garment
with a comparatively thin tightening portion can be obtained. As the
elastic resin, a polyurethane resin, a polyester elastomer resin, or other
elastic resins can be employed. According to these methods, overlaying
need not be performed, so a garment with a thinner tightening portion
can be obtained. Furthermore, tightening portions may be formed by a
knitted fabric with a strong tightening force by varying the knitted fabric
of the stretchable material forming the main body of the garment with a
crotch by means of jacquard weaving such as warp knitting or circular
knitting, so that a difference in the strength of the tightening force is
obtained. According to these methods, overlaying need not be
performed, so a garment with a thinner tightening portion can be
obtained. Furthermore, in cases where a circular knit material or the like
is used as the material that forms the garment with a crotch, tightening
portions with a relatively strong tightening force can also be formed by
cut-boss knitting in which yarn is partially added. In the case of circular
knitting, a difference in the strength of the tightening force can also be
obtained by combining a method that varies the knitted fabric and a cut-
boss knitting method in which yarn is partially added.
[0102] Although the embodiment described above exemplifies
sports spats as a typical example of a garment with a crotch, the present
invention can also be applied to garments other than sports spats. For
example, the present invention can also be applied to a garment with a
crotch such as girdles, sports tights, spats-type swimming wear, sports
wear, panty hoses, and tights.
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[0103] With the garment with the crotch according to the present
invention, as the motions of muscles necessary for the bending and
stretching motion, the inner and outer pivoting motion and the inner and
outer rotating motion can be supported by the band-like tightening
portion, an excellent effect that the motion of the leg can be supported
with a good balance can be expected.
Industrial Applicability
[0104] The present invention relates to a sports garment with a
crotch that support the motion of the leg with a good balance.
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